"Hard Racing" Is Hard Racing, Developed By Single Coder In Spare Time

Hard Racing -- created, modeled, and coded by designer David Linan Reyes -- is an exciting new iPhone racer made for "hard men only." (However, after contacting the developer, I was assured that sissies and wusses can play the game, too, which means I am qualified to give the title a look.)
At first glance, it's obvious that Reyes has taken heavy inspiration from EA's Reckless Racing in his approach to the genre. But that's a decidedly good thing; and, while Hard Racing doesn't have near the track options or feature set of that bestselling powerhouse, it is an exceedingly well-made effort. I asked Reyes about any similarities, and he told me:

I love Reckless Racing. It's an amazing racing game. [Hard Racing] is an homage, but it has distinct elements that make it unique, such as dynamic scenarios and destructible and interactive elements that affect the race.

[caption id="attachment_182491" align="aligncenter" width="960" caption="Reckless Racing's influence is everywhere."][/caption]
Reyes is particularly proud of the flashy night courses on offer, and his home-built physics engine is remarkably solid: Drifts feel appropriately wild and almost out of control, while AI racers try fervently to wedge and flip your classic Camaro at every turn. The soundtrack is a pumping '70s retro riff, and the game's 3D graphics are gritty and atmospheric. Even the menus are fun!
[caption id="attachment_182489" align="aligncenter" width="960" caption="Back (to your mom's house). "][/caption]
After six months of solo, spare-time tinkering, Hard Racing is the culmination of one man's game-making dream. At $1.99, there's enough content to justify a purchase, and updates aplenty are surely in store.